Ritter, Robin

Abstract [en]

Problem Area

With the introduction of the Bugatti Veyron in 2005, a new breed of sportscars was born: the hypercar. It was celebrated as a technological masterpiece, its todays hybrid counterparts, the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder were named the ‘holy trinity’ of sportscars. However, only a few hundreds of these cars will ever be built, and most enthusiasts will only be able to experience their performance in the virtual world in a racing simulator. The few lucky owners though face a similar problem: These machines are so fast and their traction limit is so high that they can hardly be driven flat-out on open roads, which turns many of them into a track-only toys or garage queens.

Design process

The design process used is fairly traditional, starting with a research phase, an ideation phase which is being followed by a refinement phase and ultimately the execution of the design in form of a physical scale model and digital renderings.

However it needs to be stated that the availability of VR reviews already has a very positive impact on the design workflow. Many design solutions, ergonomics and proportions were modeled directly in 3D and immediately tested in VR, similar to a continously updated 1:1 clay model in the industry.

Final result

The final result is a lightweight sportscar that makes most out of its limited power resources. Not only does it use state-of-the art technologies and materials to be as efficient as possible, it also boosts the driving experience with several innovative design solutions.

The styling is modern and in line with Porsche’s carefully developed current design DNA, but also links to the past. Connaisseurs of the Porsche heritage will find several references to models from the past, yet all these elements are respectfully interpreted in a contemporary yet timeless way.

Other, more high-volume manufacturers also produce versions of their models with ridiculously powerful engines - similar to the era of the muscle cars in the late 60ies. In some cases, it seems that this is more of an engineers game of numbers, a marketing strategy or a method to please the ego of the companies’ board members.

The fun of sportscar driving however is where the driver and or the machine reach their physical limits - in speed, revs, reaction time, grip and g-forces. Finding and riding along on this edge is the challenge of driving a sportscar, and this project claims that this can be brought back to a level that is far below that of hypercars.

The challenge of this project is therefore to develop a car that can deliver an exciting, memorable driving experience with less financial, energy and material resources. At the same time, in an age of Uber, Lyft and the advent of autonomous vehicles, this car should attract younger customers to keep the following generations interested in the driving aspect of cars, a key factor in the emotionality that ultimately leads to higher profits for the manufacturer and above all, an exciting leisure time experience for the customer.

Design process

The design process used is fairly traditional, starting with a research phase, an ideation phase which is being followed by a refinement phase and ultimately the execution of the design in form of a physical scale model and digital renderings.

However it needs to be stated that the availability of VR reviews already has a very positive impact on the design workflow. Many design solutions, ergonomics and proportions were modeled directly in 3D and immediately tested in VR, similar to a continously updated 1:1 clay model in the industry.

Final result

The final result is a lightweight sportscar that makes most out of its limited power resources. Not only does it use state-of-the art technologies and materials to be as efficient as possible, it also boosts the driving experience with several innovative design solutions.

The styling is modern and in line with Porsche’s carefully developed current design DNA, but also links to the past. Connaisseurs of the Porsche heritage will find several references to models from the past, yet all these elements are respectfully interpreted in a contemporary yet timeless way.